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Outdoors

In pictures: The Japan Camping Car Show 2016

February 23, 2016
In pictures: The Japan Camping Car Show 2016
Japan is home of the Micro Camper and there were numerous designs on display at the Japan Camping Car Show 2016
Japan is home of the Micro Camper and there were numerous designs on display at the Japan Camping Car Show 2016
View 86 Images
The dia-LA Junior by MCLEY is available as a 2 or 4 wheel drive. The company says it can sleep 5 ... but 3 would be more comfortable.
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The dia-LA Junior by MCLEY is available as a 2 or 4 wheel drive. The company says it can sleep 5 ... but 3 would be more comfortable.
The Vamos Hobio from Whitehouse
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The Vamos Hobio from Whitehouse
Camping Cars from Whitehouse – the Hobby My Box (white) and the NBOX+neo (blue)
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Camping Cars from Whitehouse – the Hobby My Box (white) and the NBOX+neo (blue)
Based on the Honda N-Box, this is the neo from Whitehouse
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Based on the Honda N-Box, this is the neo from Whitehouse
The demount-able J-Cabin Mini J by Mystic shown on the back of a Daihatsu K-Pick-up. It can sleep 2 people.
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The demount-able J-Cabin Mini J by Mystic shown on the back of a Daihatsu K-Pick-up. It can sleep 2 people.
The J-Cabin Mini W (Factory custom)
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The J-Cabin Mini W (Factory custom)
The Mini Pop Bee sleeps 4 people - although based on a pick-up, the unit is not demount-able
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The Mini Pop Bee sleeps 4 people - although based on a pick-up, the unit is not demount-able
The Olive from Miniature Cruise is basically a tiny room with cooking facilities. The rear tailgate provides a cover when you want to eat outside.
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The Olive from Miniature Cruise is basically a tiny room with cooking facilities. The rear tailgate provides a cover when you want to eat outside.
Alfresco dining in the Miniature Cruise Olive model
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Alfresco dining in the Miniature Cruise Olive model
Based on a Suzuki Wake micro car, this camping arrangement by Karucan and is called the One Flesh Wake
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Based on a Suzuki Wake micro car, this camping arrangement by Karucan and is called the One Flesh Wake
The One Flesh Wake has an add-on rear tent called a Tipoo
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The One Flesh Wake has an add-on rear tent called a Tipoo
The rear storage area of the Deck Cruiser by KARUCAN accommodates skateboards and surfboards
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The rear storage area of the Deck Cruiser by KARUCAN accommodates skateboards and surfboards
The Deck Cruiser has sleeping for 4 people, two upstairs in the roof tent and two downstairs in the vehicle - plus there's a rear mounted hammock
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The Deck Cruiser has sleeping for 4 people, two upstairs in the roof tent and two downstairs in the vehicle - plus there's a rear mounted hammock
The Karucan stand also featured this Transform Camping Trailer - the sleeping unit is demountable and the trailer can be used to carry other items
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The Karucan stand also featured this Transform Camping Trailer - the sleeping unit is demountable and the trailer can be used to carry other items
The Tramsform Camping trailer can sleep 4 people, one in the roof and three in the main body
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The Tramsform Camping trailer can sleep 4 people, one in the roof and three in the main body
This neat unit by Yatoo (called the http://www.gizmag.com/yatoo-camper-car-tent-kitchen-bed/23265/) features a wash unit and a cooking unit with storage underneath. The wash unit has a power tap and the units can be separated and used or stored apart.
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This neat unit by Yatoo (called the http://www.gizmag.com/yatoo-camper-car-tent-kitchen-bed/23265/) features a wash unit and a cooking unit with storage underneath. The wash unit has a power tap and the units can be separated and used or stored apart.
Field Life's Balocco is a pop-up roof, 4WD K-camper that can sleep 4 people
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Field Life's Balocco is a pop-up roof, 4WD K-camper that can sleep 4 people
Rear view of the K-ai Type D from Az-max
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Rear view of the K-ai Type D from Az-max
This K-ai Type D from Az-max sleeps 4 people
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This K-ai Type D from Az-max sleeps 4 people
The Mikami Tentmushi (Micro)
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The Mikami Tentmushi (Micro)
The Tentmushi is available with 4-wheel or rear-wheel drive
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The Tentmushi is available with 4-wheel or rear-wheel drive
The Tentmushi sleeps four, with the roof up
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The Tentmushi sleeps four, with the roof up
The inside of the Tentmushi is a marvel of compactness
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The inside of the Tentmushi is a marvel of compactness
The Honda Hobio concept provides a retro feel and basic camping needs
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The Honda Hobio concept provides a retro feel and basic camping needs
The interior of the retro Hobio Flex Concept from Honda
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The interior of the retro Hobio Flex Concept from Honda
Honda showed a prototype portable power source called the E500 Battery DC-AC Inverter
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Honda showed a prototype portable power source called the E500 Battery DC-AC Inverter
Honda say that it takes 8 hours to fully charge the E500, which delivers 1 hour of continuous use at full power
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Honda say that it takes 8 hours to fully charge the E500, which delivers 1 hour of continuous use at full power
As the name says, these vehicles are designed to make you happy
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As the name says, these vehicles are designed to make you happy
Based on a Toyota LiteAce van, the neo-Euro is available in 4-wheel-drive and sleeps 5
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Based on a Toyota LiteAce van, the neo-Euro is available in 4-wheel-drive and sleeps 5
The neo-Euro has rear stage areas for water and other outside gear
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The neo-Euro has rear stage areas for water and other outside gear
The interior of the neo-EURO has a central mounted table with seating either side
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The interior of the neo-EURO has a central mounted table with seating either side
This Toyota Lite-Ace conversion by Tacos has a front hinged pop-up roof and integrated awning
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This Toyota Lite-Ace conversion by Tacos has a front hinged pop-up roof and integrated awning
The NUTS RV Border Banks offers space and luxury, but it will set you back 11.2 million yen (around US$100,000)
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The NUTS RV Border Banks offers space and luxury, but it will set you back 11.2 million yen (around US$100,000)
This Nissan NV200 Van-Conversion model by RIW and is called the Free style Camper
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This Nissan NV200 Van-Conversion model by RIW and is called the Free style Camper
RV TRUST had its flagship RV on display – the TR550L Bolero-V.Max
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RV TRUST had its flagship RV on display – the TR550L Bolero-V.Max
The Alpha LE Type 1 to 3 has three different configurations, meaning you can have a vehicle that sleeps 2 in comfort ... or 6 at a squeeze
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The Alpha LE Type 1 to 3 has three different configurations, meaning you can have a vehicle that sleeps 2 in comfort ... or 6 at a squeeze
The Alpha Type concept maximizes space in the NV200 platform
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The Alpha Type concept maximizes space in the NV200 platform
A C Camperfrom Bouno Queen is available with 2 or 4-wheel-drive and costs around 7,000,000 JPY or US$62,000
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A C Camperfrom Bouno Queen is available with 2 or 4-wheel-drive and costs around 7,000,000 JPY or US$62,000
The Alpha concept from A to Z is based on the Nissan NV200 van
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The Alpha concept from A to Z is based on the Nissan NV200 van
Mystic's the Anseie I Canseied can sleep from 5 to 7 people and has a roof-top viewing area
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Mystic's the Anseie I Canseied can sleep from 5 to 7 people and has a roof-top viewing area
The Camper concept from Boss Auto-parts promises a luxury weekend away
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The Camper concept from Boss Auto-parts promises a luxury weekend away
The luxury interior of the Camper concept from BOSS auto-parts
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The luxury interior of the Camper concept from BOSS auto-parts
The Aurora Star Cruise SL from Kworks
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The Aurora Star Cruise SL from Kworks
Inside the SL
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Inside the SL
Another practical use for the rear compartment
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Another practical use for the rear compartment
A neat way of increasing the interior space of this Class B van conversion was to fit special extended windows
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A neat way of increasing the interior space of this Class B van conversion was to fit special extended windows
This Class B conversion would be perfect for a family conference
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This Class B conversion would be perfect for a family conference
This rear view shows the space given to an on-board toilet, I am not sure if you use it in suite- maybe in emergencies
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This rear view shows the space given to an on-board toilet, I am not sure if you use it in suite- maybe in emergencies
A trend at the show was to have a rear compartment tailored for outdoor gear
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A trend at the show was to have a rear compartment tailored for outdoor gear
The daytime interior layout of the BROSS – based on the high-roof Nissan NV350
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The daytime interior layout of the BROSS – based on the high-roof Nissan NV350
Granbell's interior arrangement includes a clever side sliding seat that gives access to the door or to the rear of the vehicle
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Granbell's interior arrangement includes a clever side sliding seat that gives access to the door or to the rear of the vehicle
Modellista's MRT interior modular seen here inside a Toyota Hiace van
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Modellista's MRT interior modular seen here inside a Toyota Hiace van
The MRT from Modellista in mountain bike mode
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The MRT from Modellista in mountain bike mode
The MRT from Modellista
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The MRT from Modellista
A Nissan NV350 Caravan converted to a weekend snowboarding base
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A Nissan NV350 Caravan converted to a weekend snowboarding base
This luxury interior is of a small Kei-Van with everything ... including the kitchen sink
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This luxury interior is of a small Kei-Van with everything ... including the kitchen sink
The Family Wagon is part of the ANNEX Sleeper Van Series
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The Family Wagon is part of the ANNEX Sleeper Van Series
The interior of the Nissan NV 200-based Free style Camper by RIW
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The interior of the Nissan NV 200-based Free style Camper by RIW
The Premium Package interior of the RS Wagon from ATV-g in night mode
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The Premium Package interior of the RS Wagon from ATV-g in night mode
On debut was the Ricorso from ANNEX
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On debut was the Ricorso from ANNEX
TRAVOIS' customized Toyota Hiace
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TRAVOIS' customized Toyota Hiace
The interior of the TRAVOIS Toyota Hiace Camper
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The interior of the TRAVOIS Toyota Hiace Camper
A camper based on the Nissan e-N200 electric van – powering any outdoor electrical device is not a problem
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A camper based on the Nissan e-N200 electric van – powering any outdoor electrical device is not a problem
From TOY-FACTORY comes this fully kitted out Renault Kangoo
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From TOY-FACTORY comes this fully kitted out Renault Kangoo
Mikami's D Tentmushi is available in two layouts sleeping 5 or 6 people
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Mikami's D Tentmushi is available in two layouts sleeping 5 or 6 people
A Jeep Rubicon geared for mountain bike adventures
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A Jeep Rubicon geared for mountain bike adventures
The Mini Black Label Countryman/Crossover by 5 star-yamanashi (unfortunately for those who like the idea of Mini-based camping, it's just a promotional exercise)
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The Mini Black Label Countryman/Crossover by 5 star-yamanashi (unfortunately for those who like the idea of Mini-based camping, it's just a promotional exercise)
The Vegas RUV from THOR Motor Coach is billed as a new class of vehicle – the recreational utility vehicle
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The Vegas RUV from THOR Motor Coach is billed as a new class of vehicle – the recreational utility vehicle
The Brevio from Burstner
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The Brevio from Burstner
The biggest camping car at the show was the six-wheeled Elegance from Burstner-Japan. It sleeps 5 in comfort.
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The biggest camping car at the show was the six-wheeled Elegance from Burstner-Japan. It sleeps 5 in comfort.
The Burstner Elegance ultra luxury camping big-rig
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The Burstner Elegance ultra luxury camping big-rig
The Whitewater 827 Toy Hauler from Riverside RV
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The Whitewater 827 Toy Hauler from Riverside RV
Airstream Japan's huge Off-Road Expedition vehicle, the AW Cruiser, can carry a car in a rear trailer
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Airstream Japan's huge Off-Road Expedition vehicle, the AW Cruiser, can carry a car in a rear trailer
The interior fit-out of the Whitewater 827 Toy Hauler from Riverside RV means you don't need to leave your motorcycle at home
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The interior fit-out of the Whitewater 827 Toy Hauler from Riverside RV means you don't need to leave your motorcycle at home
The AW Cruiser showing with its multipurpose trailer
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The AW Cruiser showing with its multipurpose trailer
The AW Cruiser is based on a Mitsubishi Fuso 4WD truck.
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The AW Cruiser is based on a Mitsubishi Fuso 4WD truck.
The NOAH concept's dog carrying cage matches the decor
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The NOAH concept's dog carrying cage matches the decor
The NOAH Cross City Capsule Concept from Tokai Utility Motor – seen here in break mode
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The NOAH Cross City Capsule Concept from Tokai Utility Motor – seen here in break mode
Tokai Utility Motor's NOAH is seen as halfway between a Camping Car and a normal Minivan, as it is more of a rest than sleeping vehicle
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Tokai Utility Motor's NOAH is seen as halfway between a Camping Car and a normal Minivan, as it is more of a rest than sleeping vehicle
The human rest area is above the dog rest area, with both modeled on the Japanese capsule type of hotel
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The human rest area is above the dog rest area, with both modeled on the Japanese capsule type of hotel
With two foldaway seats, the NOAH has seating for a maximum of four people ... plus a dog
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With two foldaway seats, the NOAH has seating for a maximum of four people ... plus a dog
Honda'stand dog-friendly Stepwagon
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Honda'stand dog-friendly Stepwagon
The ANNEX "Composer HR with Dog" is a rear compartment for your dog that also includes a built-in shower area
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The ANNEX "Composer HR with Dog" is a rear compartment for your dog that also includes a built-in shower area
The "family area" inside the Composer HR
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The "family area" inside the Composer HR
This small K-Van had everything you need to make life on the road a happy experience for your dog
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This small K-Van had everything you need to make life on the road a happy experience for your dog
Japan is home of the Micro Camper and there were numerous designs on display at the Japan Camping Car Show 2016
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Japan is home of the Micro Camper and there were numerous designs on display at the Japan Camping Car Show 2016
View gallery - 86 images

Spring starts early in Japan and the annual Japan Camping Car show is a great place to see what's happening before the outdoor exploration season really kicks-off. Gizmag trekked along to this year's event, held just outside of Tokyo, to check out the latest camping conveyances on offer.

Although small compared to the American and European RV markets, interest in having a mobile base from which explore nature is growing in Japan. According to the JRVA (Japan Recreational Vehicle Association) the Japanese RV Industry is growing year by year, with 4,434 vehicles manufactured domestically in 2014 and 286 imported into the country.

The Aurora Star Cruise SL from Kworks
The Aurora Star Cruise SL from Kworks

RVing in Japan is most commonly enjoyed by campers in the 40-70 year old age group who tend to embark on three day adventures, on average. The most popular type of vehicle is the Class B Converted Van, which accounts for around 37 percent of the market. The nationwide network of RV Parks, Service Parking Areas and Roadside stations are set up for these small-footprint vehicles, which usually include sleeping quarters an built-in kitchen facilities. There was a vast array of options on show this year, with one common theme being the inclusion of a rear partitioned area for storing outdoor equipment.

A trend at the show was to have a rear compartment tailored for outdoor gear
A trend at the show was to have a rear compartment tailored for outdoor gear

The lightly equipped MPV or wagon also account for a large slice of the RV market in Japan (31 percent) of the market. Like Honda's Hobio FLEX Concept (below), these vehicles tend to be a little more Spartan, relying on roof or packed tents and portable camping stoves and washing facilities for your creature comforts.

The interior of the retro Hobio Flex Concept from Honda
The interior of the retro Hobio Flex Concept from Honda


Better equipped – and more expensive – Cab Conversion (Kyabukon) rigs were also prominent on the show floor. Popular for exploring beyond the proliferation of RV Parks, these vehicle are still small at less than 5 meters in length to take advantage of cheaper car ferry charges.

Based on a Toyota LiteAce van, the neo-Euro is available in 4-wheel-drive and sleeps 5
Based on a Toyota LiteAce van, the neo-Euro is available in 4-wheel-drive and sleeps 5


Then of course there's the super compact Kei-Van or Kei-Truck campers. Strict government regulations restrict the body and engine size of these vehicles to under 2 meters in height and 660 cc. This means they not only fit in your parking space back in Tokyo but also on any ferry, or within any country village, during your travels.

The Tentmushi is available with 4-wheel or rear-wheel drive
The Tentmushi is available with 4-wheel or rear-wheel drive

Japan loves dogs and dogs love nature, so a final mention goes to the NOAH Cross City Capsule from TUM (Tokai Utility Motor). It's designed to provide a mobile rest space for both humans and animals ... and even has a matching dog-carry cage.

The NOAH Cross City Capsule Concept from Tokai Utility Motor – seen here in break mode
The NOAH Cross City Capsule Concept from Tokai Utility Motor – seen here in break mode

Take a wander through to our Japan Camping Car Show photo gallery for more of the innovations on display at the 2016 event.

Official site: Japan Camping Car Show 2016 (Japanese)

View gallery - 86 images

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PaulMartin
Extremely competitive world market demands innovation and creativity this is lacking in Japan's camping car industry that is why US and European competitors saturate the market !